Tokyo's 8 Most MPG-Kicking Concept Cars

Compared to 2007, there were fewer than half as many exhibitors at this year's Tokyo Auto Show, thanks to the global economic slowdown. But the companies that were here made headlines with a compelling group of alternative-powered concepts and production debuts. What made this year remarkableÂ—other than the empty floor spaceÂ—was the fact that the majority of the reveals were hybrids, fuel-cell and EVs. The automotive industry is undergoing a radical change and the cars on display definitely slammed that message home. Here are the most interesting concepts from Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Subaru, Mazda and Honda at the show.

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Mitsubishi PX-MiEV Concept

The Specs

This plug-in hybrid is loaded with hardware. We'll start with the battery, a lithium-ion pack that has enough energy storage to power this SUV for the first 30 miles. The electricity flows to a pair of 80-hp electric motors--one per axle. When the battery is depleted, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine kicks on and can either charge the battery or contribute motive power. That's right, this car has three modes--EV, series hybrid and parallel hybrid.

In addition, the air suspension varies the ride height and the trick rear differential can adjust the torque across the axle. Inside, front and rear touchscreens house the controls.

The Bottom Line

While this concept would be one pricey production car--it has three motors, after all--some version of it will emerge in the next four years. Mitsubishi says that by the year 2020, EVs, PHEVs or hybrids will make up 20 percent of its global output--an ambitious target. Also, this concept hints at Mitsu's new styling direction, and you're very likely looking at the next Outlander.

Nissan Land Glider Concept

The Specs

It looks like something out of the '80s sci-fi movie Tron, but Nissan says there's a chance this single-file, narrow two-seater may see production. It's electrically driven and powered by the same type of lithium-ion battery that's in the soon-to-be-released Leaf EV. Here's the big difference: The Land Glider is just 43.3 inches wide, about half of a typical car's width. It leans in the turns, like a motorcycle, with the help of a little electric motor that tips it depending on how far the steering wheel is turned. The glass canopy and cockpit look more fighter jet than car. The fenders are attached to the wheels, not the body, so they can move when the car leans.

The Bottom Line

Though unlikely, it's possible this one may be produced, but don't expect it stateside. While the bodywork is meant to provide a "cocoon of protection," we doubt this one would meet U.S. crash standards. But this concept is about the future, and Nissan is clearly exploring the next stage of EVs.

Toyota FT-EV II Concept

The Specs

The electric FT-EV II attempts to increase packaging efficiency with a novel control system. Rather than devote space to gas and brake pedals, the FT-EV II uses drive-by-wire and a joystick to perform these vital functions. So in a car that's just 9 feet long--10 inches shorter than the already diminutive Toyota iQ that it's based on--there's still room for four passengers. In addition, electric sliding doors make entry and exit easy.

The Bottom Line

This one's only a city car. With a listed top speed of 60 mph and a 26-mile range, the FT-EV II is perfectly (and only) suited to cramped urban environments.

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept

The Specs

With the Tourer concept, Subaru envisions a grand turismo four-seat hatchback. A new direct-injection turbocharged flat-four engine and CVT transmission provide the primary power, while a pair of electric motors assist both axles and feed braking energy back to the lithium-ion battery pack. To increase the feeling of interior spaciousness, the four bucket seats use pedestal mounts and the glass area is vast. Massive gullwing doors--one on each side--provide spacious entry points. There's also a comprehensive safety system aimed at avoiding crashes. A system called Eyesight includes a stereo camera and 3D image processing that work in conjunction with car-to-car and car-to-road communication to warn the driver of potential impacts.

Mazda Kiyora Concept

Mazda has a new line of fuel-efficient engines and transmissions called Skytech. At the auto show, the company used the small Kiyora concept to reveal the technology. With a light 1900-pound curb weight, a 1.3-liter Sky-G four-cylinder engine and a new six-speed automatic gearbox, the Kiyora achieves an incredible 75 mpg without relying on a hybrid system. Engine improvements include direct fuel injection, a high expansion ratio, reduced internal friction and a start-stop function.

The Bottom Line

This is just the kind of careful engineering that can yield big gains without resorting to costly add-ons. The swoopy body may not appear in showrooms, but the new powertrains definitely will.

Honda CR-Z Concept

The Specs

Something very close to this two-seater (which conjures memories of the CRX) will hit showrooms next year. Under the hood is Honda's compact gas-electric IMA hybrid powertrain. While similar to the system used in the Insight, the CR-Z gets a bigger engine, 1.5-liters, and a six-speed manual transmission to enhance this car's sporty image.

The Bottom Line

We love the idea of marrying a small, lightweight body to Honda's simple hybrid system. Honda wouldn't reveal any official numbers, but we expect the CR-Z to return over 40 mpg yet still be an entertaining ride. A friendly, $20,000 price will also be part of the package.

Honda EV-N Concept

The Specs

The electric EV-N city car has a roof-mounted solar array to enhance battery charging. The seats feature changeable fabric and a series of lights on the nose that indicate to pedestrians that it's moving or stopped. Best of all, in each door there's a new device called the U3-X, which is like a one-wheel Segway. Riders sit on top of the U3-X like a unicycle and the electric motor and computer controls do the rest.

The Bottom Line

Good design changes everything. While the other bubble-like city cars on display evoked a collective yawn, crowds gathered at this simple, well-drawn tiny tot.

Toyota FT-86 Concept

The Specs

Underneath this new coupe is something never before seen in a Toyota--a Subaru flat-four engine. The two companies developed this car jointly; Subaru supplied most of the mechanical bits and Toyota handled the styling. In this concept, the engine displaces 2.0 liters and enjoys the horsepower-enhancing effects of turbocharging. It should also be fun because it's got rear-wheel drive and will weigh around 3000 pounds.

The Bottom Line

This one's a sure bet for production and we'll likely drive it in the next two years. If Toyota can keep the price around $20,000--the current target--the company will have a winner on its hands.